Nutrition

Dairy-Free Superfood Lattes: Alternatives to Coffee

August 13 2018

A latte is simply coffee with milk. Lattes have twice the caffeine as a traditional coffee. Most people drink lattes for the extra boost in the morning that a regular cup of coffee cannot provide. An individual who doesn’t want to drink milk or can’t drink milk often stays away from lattes. However, lattes can be made dairy-free. Dairy-free means substituting products that don’t include milk, such as coconut or rice.

Why Is Adding a Superfood Important to a Latte?

Sometimes, the boost a latte provides isn’t enough. Many individuals want a bigger, healthier punch. The best option for a healthier, bigger energy boost at any time of the day is a superfood-infused latte. A superfood is a food that is mostly plant-based and that is also nutritionally dense and ultra-healthy. These foods are rich in phytochemicals, which are chemicals that have disease-fighting power.

The beet is an example of a superfood. Beets can give lattes a vibrant color because of their purple pigment. The beet gets its color from the antioxidant betalain. Studies have shown that betalains may keep degenerative diseases and some cancers at bay.

Cacao powder is another type of superfood. Cacao powder comes from a small evergreen tree native to South America called the cacao tree. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants. It is considered a mood booster because it promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins. Research has suggested that cacao is good for people experiencing depression, anxiety, and sadness. Studies have shown that another possible benefit of cacao powder is that it may improve cardiovascular health. For example, research suggests that this powder may block the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is considered bad cholesterol.

Are Superfood Powders Good for Dairy-Free Lattes?

Yes. Superfood powders are simply superfoods, like plants or herbs, that have been made into a dehydrated, mixable form. For example, superfood powder such as beet powder is a healthy way to add a superfood to a dairy-free latte. Superfood powders often have the same nutrients as blended foods, but they don't have to be blended. Beet powder, for example, often has no additives or preservatives and no sugar. Studies have shown that beet powder also has the same health benefits as beets, such as improved heart health and blood circulation.

Superfood Dairy-Free Latte Recipes

Dairy-free superfood lattes are tasty and easy to make at home. The following recipes are dairy-free and infused with superfoods. It’s important to remember that most of these superfood ingredients must be whipped together in a blender. Be sure to use a blender with an open top. An open top allows the heat that the blender generates to escape the blender. This allows the blender to withstand the high temperature that is caused when blending these superfoods together.

Add to the water solution the vanilla bean powder, the matcha tea, and the spirulina.

Stir briskly until the water becomes hot and the powder is fully dissolved in the pan.

Add the remaining ingredients: honey, molasses, and coconut milk.

Stir for about a minute or until the mixture is warm.

Pour into a mug or glass and enjoy the refreshing drink.

Matcha Beet Powder and Salted Caramel Bliss Latte

This is a two-part dairy-free latte superfood recipe. Prepare the caramel sauce before making the iced matcha drink solution. The salted caramel needs time to complete the thickening process while in the refrigerator.

Note: Rice, oat, almond, coconut, or cashew milk can be substituted instead of the tofu ingredient in the caramel sauce mixture. For a thicker salted caramel sauce, place the coconut milk in the refrigerator for four to six hours or overnight before making the caramel sauce.

The preparation time is 25 minutes total to complete the Matcha Beet Powder and Salted Caramel Bliss Latte.

Instructions:

Place the molasses in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the molasses starts to melt and darken. Make sure not to burn the mixture while cooking. Continue stirring the molasses for about 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for about 30 seconds.

Mix in the applesauce and stir until the sauce is well-mixed. Add in the tofu and the heavy whipping cream and mix the ingredients well or until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Stir ingredients together for one to two minutes.

Place the salted caramel into the refrigerator later in the drink process or when needed.

Note: Applesauce is a great substitute for butter. Smashed avocados and pureed prunes can work as well to give the caramel sauce a smooth and creamy texture.

Place the matcha powder, vanilla bean, beet powder, and coconut sugar together in a blender and blend thoroughly. Set the mixture to the side.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the caramel sauce in the bottom of the glasses and then fill each glass with a cup of ice.

Add about one half of the coconut milk to each glass.

Pour the matcha mixture into each glass.

Stir together.

Top the drink off with extra caramel sauce and enjoy.

Enjoy Dairy-Free Superfood Lattes With a Favorite Meal or on the Go

It is important to be wary of superfood impostors. Many products claim to have plant-based ingredients that make them a superfood. However, true superfoods are minimally processed to retain nutrient quality. In addition, they typically don’t have an extensive ingredient list on their packaging. Also, a superfood has minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants a person needs to maintain good health. For example, a “superfood” that doesn’t have vitamins A-E and vitamin K and important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium may be a superfood impostor. The reason why people need true superfoods is that the body can’t make these minerals on its own.

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This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this blog should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this blog are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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